Evaluating the Efficacy of Next.js: A Comparative Analysis with React.js on Performance, SEO, and Global Network Equity

TL;DR

This study compares Next.js and React.js in terms of performance, SEO, and accessibility, demonstrating Next.js's advantages in speed and inclusivity through quantitative metrics and user feedback.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive evaluation of Next.js versus React.js, including a novel LLM-assisted migration workflow and real-world usability insights.

Findings

Next.js outperforms React.js in load times and interactivity metrics.

Next.js maintains user experience quality despite performance improvements.

The LLM-assisted migration simplifies transitioning from React.js to Next.js.

Abstract

This paper investigates the efficacy of Next.js as a framework addressing the challenges posed by React.js, particularly in performance, SEO, and equitable web accessibility. By constructing identical websites and web applications in both frameworks, we aim to evaluate the frameworks' behavior under diverse network conditions and capabilities. Beyond quantitative metrics like First Contentful Paint (FCP) and Time to Interactive (TTI), we incorporate qualitative user feedback to assess real-world usability. Our motivation stems from bridging the digital divide exacerbated by client-side rendering (CSR) frameworks and validating investments in modern technologies for businesses and institutions. Employing a novel LLM-assisted migration workflow, this paper also demonstrates the ease with which developers can transition from React.js to Next.js. Our results highlight Next.js's promise of better overall performance, without any degradation in user interaction experience, showcasing its potential to mitigate disparities in web accessibility and foster global network equity, thus highlighting Next.js as a compelling framework for the future of an inclusive web.